On this UVA Speaks podcast, Jennifer Payne, MD, Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia Health System, talks about perimenopause which is a time when women face many medical, physical, and mental health changes. Payne explains that research shows an increased risk for mental health issues during this time of hormonal fluctuation that can last up to a decade. Treatment options are described including mental health medications, hormone replacement, cognitive behavioral therapy, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes that can help physical and mental health symptoms.

Transcripts of the audio broadcast can be found here.

Jennifer Payne, MD, is a Professor and Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia Health System. Dr. Payne is an expert in reproductive psychiatry. She helps people who experience a psychiatric illness that is influenced by times of reproductive hormonal change. This can include pre-menstruation, pregnancy and after pregnancy (postpartum), and perimenopause (years leading up to menopause).